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B1Teens, Adults· 30–40 minutes

Suffixes: -ful and -less

Build vocabulary through suffixes -ful and -less, then use the target words in gap-fill and discussion activities. Includes a teacher answer key.

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What’s in the worksheet?

  • Target vocabulary with clear definitions
  • Gap-fill practice using each target word
  • Discussion questions for speaking practice
  • Teacher answer key on page 3

Build vocabulary with -ful and -less adjectives for help, hope and care, then use the eight target words in sentence completion and discussion.

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Page 1 of Suffixes: -ful and -less

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Page 2 of Suffixes: -ful and -less

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Page 3 of Suffixes: -ful and -less - answer key

Page 3 of 3 · Answer key · A4 printable PDF

A simple way to teach it

Before the lesson

Use pages 1–2 and keep the teacher key on page 3 for feedback. Introduce helpful / helpless and hopeful / hopeless, checking meaning and pronunciation before the gap fill.

  1. Compare useful notes with a helpful guide, and feeling helpless with believing a plan is hopeless.
  2. Complete the eight sentences using each vocabulary word once. Compare choices with a partner and explain the context clues before checking the key.
  3. Discuss useful learning, helpful advice, online care and remaining hopeful. Use the five printed questions for pair discussion and short notes; responses are individual, not fixed-key answers.

Support and extension

Support with the four printed adjective pairs; extend by using both members of one pair in a short contrasting situation.

Suggested approach. Adjust the pace and number of questions to suit your class.

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